Daily Digest

January 18, 2006

WORLD

Conservatives lead in Canada

New opinion polls show that the Conservative Party, which would be more in line with the Bush administration policies, seems to be gaining strength over the Liberal Party in Canada's national elections, in which voters will cast ballots for the House of Commons. 19A

U.S. patriot's pad dedicated

The 18th century house in which Benjamin Franklin lived in London was dedicated as a museum on Tuesday, the 300th anniversary of his birth. The U.S. founding father lived in the British capital for almost two decades before the American Revolution. 16A

LOCAL

Teacher pay talks get tight

Flat enrollment and other budget issues will make it tough to negotiate additional compensation for Palm Beach County teachers in the next school year. While at least something of an overall raise is still likely, union negotiators say, additional restructuring of the pay plan will be tough to finance. 1B

Killing suspect gets plea deal.

A Boynton Beach man who twice had been found unfit to stand trial has pleaded guilty to the 2001 Easter Sunday slaying of his wife. Chad Carpenter agreed to a 25-year prison sentence. Under terms of the deal, Carpenter, 31, was given credit for almost five years he's already served. He potentially faced life if convicted at trial. His wife's family agreed to the deal to end a five-year legal battle. 1B

SPORTS

O'Neal doesn't look the same

Shaquille O'Neal, above, was unable to dominate on the court during the recently concluded seven-game road trip. Heat coach Pat Riley points to thigh and ankle injuries that have slowed the big man down. "We just have to get better," O'Neal said. 1C

Dolphins worry about offense

With Scott Linehan now a strong candidate for an NFL head coaching position, it's time to wonder what will happen to the Dolphins' offense if he departs. Wide receiver Chris Chambers on Tuesday said the loss would hurt the offense "a lot." 1C

BUSINESS

Pump prices going back up

Pump prices may return to $3 a gallon this summer as demand recovers and conservation efforts in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita prove temporary. But that shouldn't harm summer travel, analysts say. 3D

Damaged hotel drops meetings

The Fort Lauderdale Marina Marriott Hotel has canceled room blocks for 16 major business meetings through November. There is speculation that the hotel is close to being sold. The hotel was badly damaged during Wilma. 1D

LIFESTYLE

Pierce Brosnan goes scruffy

In The Matador, former 007 Pierce Brosnan still has a license to kill, relishing his transition from suave secret agent to scruffy hit man. Brosnan co-stars with Greg Kinnear in the wickedly comic morality tale. 1E

COMING TOMORROW

Let's chaat

You can now get these northern Indian street snacks at local restaurants. Try them. The flavors will surprise you. A combination of salty, crispy, sweet, tangy, spicy, soft, moistit just goes on. In Food

ONLINE

Have dinner with a view

It's the ultimate South Florida dining experience: Dinner by the water. Our guide highlights waterfront restaurants that earned top ratings in reader reviews.